The Leinster thread

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Well a happy medium is the ideal. They can remain hard nosed up front and add creative back play. Hope this leads to Ireland's backs performing a little better

Exactly. Beat teams up up front and throw some width on things when opponents inevitably become narrower in defence- Clermont Auvergne are a prime example of a team who play that way.

I'm not criticising Michael Cheika or his reign as coach by saying I'd like a more expansive style of rugby. I merely disliked the robotic, by the numbers back play of the last 2 or 2 1/2 seasons.


From Leinster's website:

Leinster Rugby are launching an initiative aimed at Identifying and developing specialist scrum and front row coaches...

The initiative is the brain child of former Leinster and Ireland prop Reggie Corrigan who is now established as the scrum and front row specialist for domestic rugby in Leinster.
The programme will be aimed at coaches who are qualified level 1 and or ex players who played 1st XV or higher.

So If you are interested in developing your knowledge on coaching the scrum and Front Row play and would you like to be considered as a specialist scrum front row coach for your club /school then please respond to: [email protected]

Applications for this programme must be supported by your club/school and a letter to that effect will be sought.

It's good to see the Leinster branch being proactive in sorting out a problem area for Irish rugby. Corrigan brought about a huge turnaround while coaching Ulster's scrum two seasons ago and was supposedly involved with Leinster underage players last year with great success- witness how Jack O'Connell and Stewart Maguire proved to be excellent scrummagers at u20 level.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Is O'Driscoll's retirement that eminant? I mean, 2 years and no more BOD? Surely he's not retiring in 2 years.

Nothing is confirmed but his IRFU contract runs out after the 2011 World Cup. He'll be 33 the following January so it's his last opportunity at earning a big pay cheque while sunning himself in the south of France. Many expect him to take the opportunity if it presents itself.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Two more bits of info from Leinster's website:

Leinster Rugby are pleased to announce the signing of Argentina international second-row Mariano Galarza from Universitario de La Plata (Buenos Aires) on a short-term deal...


Galarza (23) stands at 6'8" (2.03m), weighs 112kg and joins the province having been called up for Argentina's summer tests against Scotland as well as the 41-13 victory over France in Galarza's hometown of Buenos Aires.

A student of medicine, Galarza was also selected for the Pumas end of year tour to Europe in 2008.

Commenting on the signing Leinster Manager Guy Easterby said: "Mariano has made a real impression for Argentina since his senior international debut and we are pleased to have secured his signature as cover until the end of January.

"Obviously both Leo (Cullen) and Kevin (McLaughlin) will each miss a significant part of the early half of the season so it is great that we have been able to cover them with a quality player."

and

The Leinster team to face London Wasps in Friday's pre-season friendly in Donnybrook (KO: 7pm) has been named...TICKETS ON SALE NOW...


Sean O'Brien makes his first appearance in six months and will lead the side from number eight in a team which also includes returning duo Luke Fitzgerald and Devin Toner.

Fitzgerald starts at full-back in a backline which also includes Isa Nacewa, while Leinster supporters can get a glimpse of summer signing Heinke van der Merwe who starts in the front row alongside Mike Ross who is one of three Ireland internationals in the pack.
The recently recruited Mariano Galarza is named on an extended bench which also includes Fergus McFadden, scrum-half Isaac Boss and Stan Wright.
LEINSTER:
15: Luke Fitzgerald
14: David Kearney
13: Eoin O'Malley
12: Eamonn Sheridan
11: Isa Nacewa
10: Ian Madigan
9: Paul O'Donohoe
1: Heinke van der Merwe
2: Richardt Strauss
3: Mike Ross
4: Trevor Hogan
5: Devin Toner
6: Eoin Sheriff
7: Paul Ryan
8: Sean O'Brien CAPTAIN

REPLACEMENTS:
16: Jason Harris-Wright
17: Jack McGrath
18: Stan Wright
19: Mariano Galarza
20: Dominic Ryan
21: Isaac Boss
22: Ian McKinley
23: Fergus McFadden
24: Ben Marshall
25: Michael Keating
26: Niall Morris


LONDON WASPS:
15: Jack Wallace
14: Richard Haughton
13: Ben Jacobs
12: Dom Waldouck
11: Tom Varndell
10: Dave Walder
9: Nic Berry

1: Zak Taulafo
2: Tom Lindsay
3: Phil Vickery
4: Marty Veale
5: Richard Birkett
6: Will Matthews
7: Serge Betsen
8: John Hart

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Rob Webber
17: Tim Payne
18: Ben Broster
19: James Cannon
20: Tom Rees
21: Joe Simpson
22: Riki Flutey
23: Christian Wade
24: Simon Shaw
25: Sam Jones
26: Elliot Daly
27: Mark Van Gisbergen.
REFEREE: John Lacey (IRFU), SUB REFEREE: Leo Colgan (IRFU), ASSISTANT REFEREE: Richard Kerr (IRFU), 4TH OFFICIAL: Ed Kenny (ARLB), 5TH OFFICIAL: Dan Wallace (ARLB)

 

[munstermuffin]

Snoop is the argentine signed jus for cover at start of season and how is Cullens shoulder

 

[Logorrhea]

Snoop is the argentine signed jus for cover at start of season and how is Cullens shoulder

Six month contract to Cover Leos absense I believe.

All talk about Joe Schmidt seems to centre on him trusting the backline more to play what's in front of them.

Definately but the new rule interpretation is another big factor in this. There will be less of a safety first approach as the likes of Kearney or Nacewa dont have to worry so much about being caught in possession. Hence the push for heads up attacking rugby. Should be an interesting year to see how that all works out.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

All I've heard about Cullen are rumours but it sounds like he could be out until Christmas.

Galarza is here until the end of January but I wouldn't be surprised to see it extended if he looks a good player. Nathan Hines only has one year left on his contract and turns 34 this season. Galarza could become his replacement long term and would be a lot cheaper.

 

[munstermuffin]

Still an awful blow for Cullen as I couldve seen him break into Irish 15. But now I can't see it and Leinster will miss his leadership as he's a natural captain.

 

[Logorrhea]

So a serious hammering in the pre-season game vs Wasps and it now looks as if Stan Wroght is out for most, if not all of the season.

It was always going to be a season of mediocrity but thats a blow.

 

[durbutter]

Whoa! ?Massive blow for Leinster BUT maybe a chance for Mike Ross to get his ass into gear and become an option for Ireland? Who are your other tight head options?

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

There's an interview in the Sunday Times (can't post a link) with Joe Schmidt. It's your usual glossy rubbish but he does mention that he's looking to bring in a defensive coach but for the moment he's going to do the job himself and get help from Les Kiss.



This is the piece on Wright's injury from the Indo:

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/wright-ruled-out-for-season-2307308.html

Leinster's 41-6 hammering at the hands of Wasps on Friday night was the least of their worries after it emerged yesterday that prop Stan Wright is out for the season after rupturing his Achilles tendon in that match.

Leinster chief executive Mick Dawson confirmed yesterday that they will have to sit down with the IRFU to try to find a suitable replacement for Wright, who has been a cornerstone of the pack since joining in mid-season 2006/07 -- ironically as an emergency replacement for the injured Will Green. He has played 83 times for Leinster since then.

Wright will be operated on this week, after which the prognosis will be clearer.

"At the minute it doesn't look great and we're planning on the basis that we'll be without Stan (32 next month) until next year," Dawson said yesterday. "It's a serious setback given how good he has been for us and it doesn't help that most of the good props around the place are already under contract.

"Certainly we'll have to go outside Ireland to find a replacement and we've already been in touch with the IRFU on that. We'll try and identify someone as soon as possible and take it from there."

Losing someone of Wright's calibre is bad news at any stage but given the micro-management of Ireland players by Declan Kidney this season, with the 2011 World Cup in mind, the Cook Islander would have been an invaluable man to have around when the Test stars are away. As it is, new coach Joe Schmidt will have to cope without them until October.

That leaves him with newcomer Heinke van der Merwe, Mike Ross, and Ronan McCormack on full contracts, and Jack McGrath (development contract) to soldier through the early rounds of the Magners League until Cian Healy is freed by Ireland to play.


- BRENDAN FANNING

It's a huge blow for Leinster since Wright has quietly become a fantastic prop over the last three seasons.

It's not surprising that Mick Dawson has said Leinster are looking to sign a foreign prop to replace him but it'll be interesting to see if they'll be granted such a request by the IRFU. I've a hunch that the IRFU will want to see Mike Ross get a lot of game time and will only allow a journeyman (like Julien Brugnaut) fill the gap rather than somebody who can seriously challenge to get into the starting XV.

 

[durbutter]

There's an interview in the Sunday Times (can't post a link) with Joe Schmidt. It's your usual glossy rubbish but he does mention that he's looking to bring in a defensive coach but for the moment he's going to do the job himself and get help from Les Kiss.



This is the piece on Wright's injury from the Indo:
It's a huge blow for Leinster since Wright has quietly become a fantastic prop over the last three seasons.

It's not surprising that Mick Dawson has said Leinster are looking to sign a foreign prop to replace him but it'll be interesting to see if they'll be granted such a request by the IRFU. I've a hunch that the IRFU will want to see Mike Ross get a lot of game time and will only allow a journeyman (like Julien Brugnaut) fill the gap rather than somebody who can seriously challenge to get into the starting XV.

Nothing wrong with that, with my Ireland hat on this could be the making of a new Irish THP.

 

[munstermuffin]

I seriously doubt Leinster will get a heineken cup level prop and have also heard irfu are reluctant to allow an import. A massive blow for Wright and wish him a speedy recovery.
It funny how for once Munster are very well equipped for this year at prop but Leinster are in big trouble and the loss of CJ and Wright and well Healy won't see many games must be a major worry

 

[Feicarsinn]

I seriously doubt Leinster will get a heineken cup level prop and have also heard irfu are reluctant to allow an import. A massive blow for Wright and wish him a speedy recovery.
It funny how for once Munster are very well equipped for this year at prop but Leinster are in big trouble and the loss of CJ and Wright and well Healy won't see many games must be a major worry

I can't see the IRFU denying us NIQ prop. As is we have Healy, Ross, Van Der Meiwe, McCormick and McGrath. Healy and Ross are good players, the Saffa sounds pretty good, McCormick is shite and McGrath is just out of nappies. A squad can't operate with four or five props, especially considering you need 4 in the matchday squad alone. Hopefully they'll look at WP Nel, the man is a machine.

 

[munstermuffin]

For an emergency prop they will be only want a cheap option. McGrath is young but Munster had same prop problem last year and Stephen Archer was rushed in. But the thing is the IRFU may want Mike Ross starting and my guess is a cheap option from England or France will be got. But money is going to be the decisive factor I think.

 

[Feicarsinn]

A player from England or France is likely to be more expensive than a good SH player. Remember that the Currie cup and ITM will end soon enough which gives Leinster quite a large pool of players to go after. Compare that to the Top14 and Aviva Premiership which are just beginning and think about which would be easier to get players from.

Seriously, Nel is very good. Probably should have been capped by the Bokke by this stage. If Leinster can get their hand on him we'd be sorted.

 

[munstermuffin]

A decent prop would be more expensive but a fill the gap player journeyman would be cheap

 

[Peat]

I can see why Leinster want a top class prop to replace Wright, but I do really hope for Ireland's sake the IRFU block it. A run of games might be the thing needed to get Ross performing and Ireland are screaming out for a Tighthead. It's massive shame to watch Ireland get handicapped so much by one weak link.

Of course, you might argue that playing behind a subpar scrum isn't going to do much for the Leinster lads either, and you'd have a point. But he shouldn't have anyone parachuted in in front of him.

 

[Logorrhea]

They wont block it, they gave Munster the same option last year I believe.

However, given that this year is going to be a non-event either way, I wouldnt object to seeing the development props all moving 1 up the ladder. You never know how they will go until they are given a run.

 

[munstermuffin]

Munster scenario was different as it was 2 months and they don't have depht in front row but Leinster need a prop for year although I wonder would it be viable for them to do what Munstet have done on signing Peter Borlaise as a project player meaning he is not counted in our foreign players as he may play for Ireland

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Munster scenario was different as it was 2 months and they don't have depht in front row but Leinster need a prop for year although I wonder would it be viable for them to do what Munstet have done on signing Peter Borlaise as a project player meaning he is not counted in our foreign players as he may play for Ireland

That's what I think will happen. An uncapped prop in his mid 20s with a bit of starting experience in a strong competition will be signed to be Mike Ross' backup and have the potential to become a starter down the line. That's similar to the circumstances which saw Stan Wright arrive.